Crusaders breeze to second win in as many days

Tim Murtagh continued his fantastic start to the season by taking 3-24 to help Middlesex to a seven-wicket win over Essex at Lord's.

The Crusaders followed up Wednesday night's 33-run over Hampshire with an equally as impressive display at the home of cricket to ensure they lead the way at the top of the Twenty20 South Division.

After winning the toss, captain Ed Smith inserted the Eagles, who, themselves were looking to make it two-wins-out-of-two after an emphatic win over Surrey the previous evening.

Smith's decision proved a shrewd one as Essex openers Varun Chopra (8) and Mark Pettini (6) both perished in the opening overs.

Neil Dexter blazed 46 off 40 balls, however he lacked support and the hosts continued to take regular wickets as the Eagles' innings failed to gather any momentum.

Murtagh was ably supported by Tyron Henderson (2-26) and Murali Kartik (2-15) as Essex were reduced to 115-9 off their 20 overs.

The Crusaders suffered an early blow when England opener Andrew Strauss was clean bowled by Graham Napier for 11, however the hosts weren't to be denied successive victories.

A second wicket partnership of 67 between skipper Smith (33) and Eoin Morgan (47) took the Eagles within touching distance of the meagre total before Dawid Malan (18 not out) and Ed Joyce (1no) saw the hosts home with 19 balls remaining.